Dental instrument.



J L. TALBOTT 6L W. S. WRIGHT.

DENTAL INSTRUMENT.

APPLIGATION rum) Nov.1a. 1913.

1,092,307. Patented Apr. 7, 1914 A. 1 By Joni; TALizoTT AND WALTERseoTTwEIGHT, or LoMroc", CALIFORNIA.

DENTAL INSTRUMENT.

Specification of Letters Patent. I

.Patented Apr. 7, 1914.

Application led Novemberv13, "1913. Serial No. 800,833.

To all fur/omit may concern Be it known that we, JOHN L. TaLnoTT and IVALTER Sco'l'r huelva citizens of the United States. residing at Lompoc, in the countv of Santa Barbara and State of California. haveinventcd certain new and useful Improvements in Dental Instruments, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvenlents 1n dental wax spatulas and more partlcularly to a type of spatula having a hollow handle in which is carried a supply of wax.

The principal object of our invention is to provide an improved tool of the class mentioned whereby a practically continuous flow of wax may be secured when building up a denture, eliminatin the necessity of applying the same piece y piece. It will be apparent that with such a tool better and more rapid work may be performed.

Another object of our improved devlce is the construction of dental wax in the form of pencils and the providing of means for feeding the said wax pencils toward the heated portion of the tool.

Other improvements consist in the placing of separately controlled heating units in the handle and spatula whereby the heat required for the melting and working of the wax may be most advantageously applied.

IVith these and other objects in view our invention consists in the new and novel construction and arrangement of parts as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and as more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a Vview in plan of our improved device as con-4 structed for use in connection with an exterior source of heat. Fig. 2 is a view in longitudinal section therethrough showing the wax pencil in position and partly used. Fig. 3 is a view in longitudinal section of a modified form using electrical heating means. Fig. 4 is a bottom plan View of the same.

Referring to the same parts by corresponding numerals of reference, 1 denotes the hollow cylindrical body portion, to which is attached a substantially conical head 2, as by means of a bayonet joint 3. This head is provided with the spoon like extension 4, the neck portion of which is slightly concave and is attached to the head 2 below the opening 5 in the point thereof. Within the cylinder is a piston 6, which may or may not be provided with a stem 7 projecting through a'hole 8 in the rear head S). This rod is surrounded by a compression spring 10, and serves to guide the piston and to provide means for urging forward the wax pencil 1l in case the latter becomes stuck and by pulling the same backwardto stop the How of wax. The head 2 is made of metal while the tube 1 is preferably of non-conducting material. The wax pencil 1l is of the regular composition used for dentures, but made in pencil form with a conical point adapted to fit neatly within head 2. In using this form the head 2 is removed and a. pencil 11 inserted in the handle 1 pressing back the piston G. The head is then replaced when the tool is ready for use. IVhen using the head 2 is held in a flame, melting the wax within the conical end thereof and allowing the spring to press the unmelted portion forward. This causes the melted wax to How through the opening 5 into the bowl 4 from whence it may be poured into any desired position. If the wax flows too freely it may be stopped by pulling back on stem, thus removing the pressure on the pencil. In like manner by pressing on this rod the flow may be started or hastened.

In the form shownin Figs. 3 and 4 provision is made for electrically heating the conical head and the bowl of the spatula. This is accomplished by placing a smaller conical tube 12 within the head 2 leaving a space 3 therebetween. In like manner the bowl 4 is constructed of two layers 4 and 5', which are extensions of 2 and 12, respectively, a space 13 being provided therebetween. In spaces 13 and 3 are placed resistance wires 14 and 15, which are connected through switches 16 and 17, respectively, with a suitable source of electrical.

current. In order to keep the thickness of the head and bowl within reasonable limits and provide a heat proof insulation we prefer to use enameled wire. In this form is shown a slightly different form of piston 6 which is made of such length that the guide rod is not required. The spring 10 being near the diameter of the case 1 requires no guide rod. The body 1 and head 2 are also made integral for convenience in electrical wiring and a removable cap 9 provided on the back of the body 1 to allow the placing of the wax pencil therein. The switches 16 and 17 are mounted in a suitable insulating block 1S and current is supplied through a iexible conductor 19.

While we have shown the preferred embodiment of our invention it will of course be understood that minor changes may be made, in details and construction without dearting from the spirit thereof.

What we claim and wish to cover by Letters Patent is 4 1. A dental spatula comprising a hollow handle, a tapering head, a spoon shaped end on said head and an opening from said head to said spoon shaped end substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. A dental spatula comprising a hollow cylindrical handle, a conical vhead detachalulyl secured thereto, a spoon sha ed end on said head, an opening in point o said head leading to said spoon shaped end, a piston in said hollou7 handle and spring means to urge said piston toward said conical head.

JOHN L. TAIBOTT. WALTER SCOTT WRIGHT.

Witnesses: W. A. STOCK, F. J. ScHRonDEn.

said plunger forwar a conical head 

